Since its earliest days the labor movement has sought to improve the quality of work life, create workplace democracy and participate in employer/employee decision-making.

Since when did a loan repayment become “optional”? A loan is an agreement to borrow money in order to get something valuable, like a house, car or education.

Regarding the new Grand Canyon monument — sorry, Janie Curtis. This is not a land grab, it is a protection of sacred Native Americans’ land who are, but the way, the local residents and have been for thousands of years.

It is understandable that members of the community are concerned about Prescott Unified School District test scores.

Regarding Dan Speights’ letter (Aug. 24), the issue of drag shows and children is really simple. If you don’t want your children to attend, don’t let them.

Woe! I must have missed something when I read about a possible ordinance to restrict drag shows to adults.

Former President Donald Trump should be barred from running for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election, based on his involvement in inciting the Jan. 6 insurrection, as the U.S. House Jan. 6 committee found, (“Trump says he has been notified he’s a target of the US probe into efforts to overturn 2020 election,” July 18).

Your Aug. 16 edition included a letter to the editor by Linda Lutes, “The Time Is Right,” a reference to a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.

I miss the beautiful drive on Williamson Valley Road, as it was north of Iron Springs Road, before it was widened. Here’s hoping they don’t do the same to Highway 89 through the Dells.

In regard to Kelly Kading’s column on “the miracle of fracking and $1 gas,” he appropriately notes that “oil prices are set by global market forces.”

Thank you for including the article, “State GOP blasts Biden’s Grand Canyon monument plan” in your Aug. 10 edition.

With all of the opposition to the proposed Whiskey Row hotel, I am at a loss to understand why there has been so little public outrage over the downtown area’s other development project – another five-story hotel/condo complex – slated to be constructed on the site of the old City Hall.

Even those who prefer not to think too deeply about climate change notice when their familiar summer holiday morphs into an ordeal akin to being slow roasted.

I read in today’s newspaper (Aug. 11) that the Prescott City Council voted unanimously for a $75 fee to be imposed on those who have been convicted of a crime.

I will not weep for Prescott’s loss of sales tax revenue from residential rental units.

RE: Kelly Kading’s climate change series of columns – Even those who prefer not to think too deeply about climate change notice when their familiar summer holiday morphs into an ordeal akin to being slow roasted.

I read a Rants & Raves message about people not using the sidewalk and walking in the street where vehicles have the right of way. While this is true, on trash days, people put their trash barrels on the sidewalk, which is probably what they were told to do by the city.

Haven’t seen a coyote around our place in at least six weeks, and scarcely any before that.

“The time is always right to do what is right” is a direct quote from Martin Luther King, when over 1,200 Americans marched on Selma during the famous Civil Rights March.

RE: No weaponizing or double standard! I hear that many people who like our former president believe news sources claiming that the latest indictments against Donald Trump...

In response to Mayor Phil Goode’s guest column in the Courier on Aug. 1, let us be very clear that the national attack on gay rights, including drag shows, is another form of bigoted hatred ...

RE: What science and where’s the sense in “Science & Sense: Our stressed electrical grid” ...

In regards to the letter on the earth being 10,000 years old, from the fossil record, the earth must have been a crowed place for all those animals to have been here in that short of time.

This could be one way of reducing risk: Folks who want to live in disaster prone areas may have to include self-insurance into their financial planning.

People, the problem is a serious infrastructure problem. The City of Prescott is not going to expand the streets around the Rodeo Grounds to four lanes. ...

The proposed widening of Highway 89 through the Granite Dells is a good example of past city governments abandoning their responsibility to the public...

I’m not a fan of Rep. Eli Crane, but can anyone tell me what NAACP stands for?

I am in complete agreement regarding the column about euthanization of the four mountain lions. If one is going to live near wilderness they should take precautions ...

Regarding the Plaza Hotel being considered on Whiskey Row – As 22-year residents of Prescott, we were attracted to settle here by the reserved, classy greatness of “Everybody’s Hometown.”

I work at the Circle of Life, a residential home for older persons in their closing days. Their memory is usually impaired but all of them think, one way or the other, about what the circle or cycle of life has been for them.

An important issue not mentioned in Kelly Kading’s column, “The Hypocrisy of Electric Vehicles,” is the huge efficiency difference between conventional and electric vehicles.

My wife and I had the opportunity to tour the new Prescott Justice Center last week.

In reply to a recent rant, someone claimed that “the atmosphere was 2,000 ppm 250 million years ago. The problem is an 8-degree rise in temperature versus a 1.2-degree rise today and Earth’s third mass extinction.”

The National Weather Service reports that hot conditions will continue, with the heat peaking near record levels early this week. Where is the monsoon season?

RE: Child sex slaves – One word tender, another promising pleasure, the last word making an abomination of the phrase, the reality.

What if we are living in an alternate timeline, a sliver of a multiverse where Joe Biden beat Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election?

When you look at all the things our government needs money for does it make sense to give loan forgiveness to millions of current students?

RE: Save The Dells, Highway 89 – Rather than destroy acres of the Dells rock treasures by widening the highway, use the existing Highway 89 right of way to support traffic in both directions.

My husband and I attended the June 30 ceremony commemorating the loss 10 years ago of 19 of the Granite Mountain Hotshots.

Revised plans for Plaza Hotel on Whiskey Row… Are you kidding?! I thought this horrific project was done with.

Kudos to the City of Prescott on the fireworks display celebrating Canada Day (formerly Dominion Day) ...

Toni Denis, president of the Arizona Democratic Women, makes the usual empty arguments in favor of adding the ERA to the Constitution.

I implore the City Council to vote yes on the resolution ensuring a 60-day public comment period on the Prescott Frontier Days expansion.

With our upcoming City Council elections, I sure wish someone would clarify what the heck is going on with all this brouhaha over our Rodeo Grounds.

I encourage your support for protecting the “World’s Oldest Rodeo” by keeping it in Prescott on the existing site where is has been since 1913.

I am writing with concern about Prescott Frontier Days’ (PFD) plans for the Rodeo Grounds, presented at the June 6 public meeting I attended. I pass the grounds frequently to reach shopping and medical services, but avoid the area during rodeo because traffic is so bad.

It’s baffling why the Arizona Legislature allocated $15.3 million to Prescott Frontier Days, Inc. yet allotted $3.5 million for land purchase to create the Granite Dells Regional Park and Preserve.

Prescottonians are understandingly furious about the $15.3 million “gift” to the Prescott Frontier Days, Inc. (PFD) which is a private/non-profit entity and organizer of the “World’s Oldest Rodeo.”

I believe regardless of the renovations, the rodeo over the Fourth of July will always be in Prescott as is the tradition. Why wouldn’t we want to spruce it up and make it a better rodeo grounds, especially if it would cost the city nothing?

I moved here with my family from the southern part of the county in 1959 when I started high school. I participated in rodeo at the Rodeo Grounds through high school and college, then in RCA events until 1974.

RE: Michael Reagan’s “deranged” column – Donald Trump had many opportunities to return classified and top secret documents. He refused.

One of Prescott’s much-loved treasures has to be the Granite Dells. While driving through the unique granite formations I couldn’t help but think of the proposed “widening” of Highway 89.

To the City of Prescott and Town of Prescott Valley leadership team and their most fabulous employees.

Kelly Kading’s article on climate change has generated many other articles and “rant and raves” both con and pro on climate change. As a result, I felt compelled to write my article.

This letter is in response to the article, “Council deadlocks on home project."

The undermining of democracy exists as an existential threat to the survival of our country. It will not be the tumbling of giants that will start the decline...

This year is the 100th anniversary of the introduction of the Equal Rights Amendment in Congress. The ERA still has not been enacted, despite being ratified by three-fourths of the states.

I’d like to thank Kelly Boryca for her recent reply to my request for citizen Democrats to confront the trajectory of their party politics.

Prescott Regional Airport has seen tremendous growth in the past few years, but it still needs help to foster that growth ...

In a letter published June 13 Ritchie Geisel took issue with John Stossel’s claim of Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez being socialists.

The five members of the Yavapai County Search and Rescue Team 4-by-4 unit are to be highly commended for their competent tracking and people skills.

While I do not agree with Courier Columnist Kelly Kading on the deep time issue (how old the earth and universe is, which he did not respond to my challenge to publicly debate this issue), I do applaud him ...

My birthday was Feb. 27. I was alone and thinking I couldn’t believe I was 92 years old and how time flies.

While watching the Prescott City Council voting session recently, I learned that the city spends $1 million a year on fuel costs, and during the discussion that followed a group suggested the city change over all their gasoline vehicles to electric.

Regarding Jim Hardy’s letter to the editor, I will start out by saying that I firmly believe that Americans have more in common than not.

How rude! On the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, I went to the Citizens Cemetery to put flowers on the graves of my family members – only to find the gate into the cemetery locked and no way to enter and access the graves.

Regarding Kelly Kading’s column, “Climate: Part 2” (June 11 Courier), my experience supports his conclusion that Man Made Climate Change is a “Merry-go-round of baloney.”

Regarding John Stossel’s June 9 column, neither Bernie Sanders nor Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a socialist.

Mr Kading’s attack on the peer-review process in his June 11 column is misguided.

Regarding the June 4 story, “Workforce Housing Committee kicks off effort to create more affordable housing in Prescott,” it stated: “On Wednesday, May 31, the newly appointed seven-member Workforce Housing Committee conducted its introductory meeting in what is expected to be a multi-year effort toward creating more housing options for workers in the community — especially for those in the middle-income range.

I read and kept informed of the cougars in Prescott that were recently euthanized.

Here’s why we all hate roundabouts...

A Courier story summarizes the glowing resumes and admirable personal histories of the incoming superintendents of the Prescott and Humboldt public school districts. Both seem to be outstanding people and excellent choices to guide the education of our children.

I was appalled to read in the May 18 article that John Fullen was sentenced to 10.5 years in prison because he lied to the public when advertising his moving business by claiming to be a veteran, even though he hired vets to do the moving.

Michael Reagan’s column, “AOC and the war on our appliances,” is the worst form of public irresponsibility.

What the GOP is doing concerning human rights, education and protection of kids.

Prescott Mayor Phil Goode’s Talk of the Town on 5/31/2023 further demonstrates that growth doesn’t pay for growth, despite hearing repeatedly and adamantly from earlier city council members (and one current councilor who’s leaving) that it does.

A confession. Let me explain. My May 16 letter, “The Fault is in Our Stars,” a full-throated defense of the Joe Biden presidency, was a thought experiment: How could well-meaning citizens support the current direction of our country?

In reference to Jim Hardy’s letter of May 17, “The fault is in our stars,” I write in rebuttal to Mr. Hardy’s praises of President Joe Biden.

RE: Kelly Kading’s Sunday column on roundabouts – Thank you, Mr. Kading, for your clear and accurate description of the problem with roundabouts in our area.

It was with interest that I read the article on the proposed rodeo grounds expansion. I attended the May 13 public presentation ...

Kudos to Craig Dombey regarding bicycle safety in Prescott.

I read with no small amount of dismay, reader Bruce Newsom’s letter to the Courier that, “Biden started this war (the Ukraine War) through Anthony Blinken.”

In his letter to the editor, Jim Hardy claimed President Joe Biden has some faults, but we should look past them and be thankful. He also implied there was no one better or more seasoned to be our president than Biden.

Dedicated Democrats thank President Joe Biden for successfully ending the tumultuous Trump Era, fulfilling his promise of a new normal.

I would like to offer a somewhat belated but hearty appreciation to the Prescott Police Department for providing security at the Whiskey Off-Road bicycle event.

It is with great sadness, but not surprise that I read about the behavior of some of the attendees at the Humboldt Unified School District superintendents’ candidate forum Wednesday, May 10.

Saturday, May 13, marks the 31st anniversary of one of America’s great days of giving — the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

When I think of the word “integrity,” Donald Trump’s name does not come to mind. Neither does Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Chuck Schumer or Nancy Pelosi. Our country is in a quandary because of it.

A response to the Rant: “Curious about the city’s ‘investment’ in the Greenways along Granite Creek.”

A recent entry in the Rants & Raves insinuated that Democrats are “the only party still believing in the Rule of Law.” But ...

I’d like to thank the Prescott City Council for terminating the city’s membership in the Upper Verde Watershed Protection Coalition (May 4, Courier).

The Chino Valley Police Foundation would like to thank all the wonderful vendors that participated in our annual Community Craft/Yard Sale on April 29.

Nancy Scharff’s recent letter headlined “Bigotry & Fascism” made Janis Dietz, Ph.D. cringe. As well it should.

RE: Mountain lion article. Everything was accurate but did not list enough important information.

Regarding Nancy Scharff’s letter on “Biogotry & Fascism” (April 28), which made me cringe.

“Arizona hate crimes hit their highest level since 9/11, and it’s likely an undercount,” according to a 2021 Cronkite News report, and the rise of bias related incidents continues throughout the country.

A recent opinion piece in the newspaper, Editor Tim Wiederaenders’ “Laurels, darts for Hobbs; electable, but can’t execute” Friday Catchall (April 7) covered the difficulty that the governor is having enforcing the death penalty in Arizona.

A recent letter excoriates Prescott Unified School District for constructing six small homes to house teachers. I participated in a process to award federal grants to several school districts to construct “teacherages” on school property. ...

Yet another mass shooting, this time at a Christian school.

I appreciate the fact that Prescott is seeking creative ways to bring teachers and other civil servants to the area, but there are serious disadvantages...

Bravo to all the Earth Day volunteers who cleaned up the Peavine Trail.

Prescott Unified School District, you are “putting the cart before the horse.”

Regarding the Prescott Unified School District’s “problem” on deciding what to do next on hiring a new superintendent, it is a NO BRAINER!

This excerpt from the piece in the N.Y. Times concerning the latest abortion court decision in Texas, could be a definition of the Republican Party: “This is a frontal assault on the legitimacy of the F.D.A. and their discretion to make science-based decisions.”

The letter to the editor, “Day in Court, published April 12, piously paraphrases Nancy Pelosi’s statement about the Donald Trump indictment – no one is above the law and that he (Trump) will have his day in court.

While it’s largely true that government prosecutors can exercise discretion, one of the priorities is the likelihood of obtaining a conviction. Office and staff resources all have limitations. Political motivations are a little further down the priority list.

We know it’s not about the disgusting ‘Peeps’— or finding hidden eggs before they smell out their location in a couple weeks.

Projection is often used to cover bias or embarrassment. For example, in a recent rant, one writer projected FOX News’ weakness on the other news outlets by saying...

Sharon F. Tice of Prescott argues that the Constitution was written with only muskets in mind. Maybe we should also go back to 18th century medicine and surgery when no anesthesia was available.

Patrick Leyden’s April 4 Letter to the Editor was a sad read. His point was that it did not matter if the prosecution of Donald Trump, a former president and candidate for the 2024 Presidential election, was politically motivated or not, that the only relevant issue was whether Trump was guilty of the crime.

I would like to clarify some information contained in Kelly Kading’s column on nuclear energy for electric power generation.

Yes, the prosecution of Donald Trump is political. However, note that I said “prosecution” and not “persecution.”

How many more of our children have to be killed while attending school? When is Congress going to care more for our children than the wads of money that the NRA throws at them? ...

What is woke? Recently, a Daily Courier reader described the term “woke” as being “aware,” yet others consider it the political mainstreaming of racism and perversion.

I was disturbed by the March 16 article in the Courier about camping on public property. My husband and I moved here almost three years ago, as “California refugees.”

My husband succumbed to pancreatic cancer in February. Throughout our 55 years together, he was fit and exercised daily. His mind was sharp and he read voraciously. In September, unexpected pain led him to the doctor. ...

Only wish this letter would be considered superfluous and thus not published because by now Congress would have passed an increase in the debt ceiling or a suspension, or ideally as I mentioned in a previous letter, abolished the debt ceiling. But as of March 21, no such luck.

In the course of live trapping and relocating pack rats where they can’t cause damage to vehicles and so on, I have learned to my dismay that it is common practice to distribute poison as a control method.

In a recent “Rants & Raves,” someone stated: “Thank you, President Biden for lowering gas prices.” I believe that is a totally ridiculous statement.

I think it is important to distinguish between the proposed lowering of the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) to 4ppt from the unchanged EPA Health Advisory Level (HAL) of .004 ppt PFAS contamination in our Prescott drinking water.

I’m often asked about my work in hospice, which many people misunderstand if they’re aware of it at all.

School vouchers versus public education. Apparently Idaho is considering a similar plan, allegedly for school choice and to improve education results, and their plan is based almost verbatim on what is here in Arizona.

I would like to thank Courier columnist Kelly Kading for writing an excellent “Science & Sense: Energy” column on the pros and cons of using coal as an energy source, published on March 5.

The Arizona Legislature wants to reduce the length of time an individual may collect unemployment benefits because there are so many jobs available.

The Daily Courier exhibited journalistic integrity in action when they published K. Greg Murray’s rebuttal to Courier columnist Kelly Kading’s Feb. 5 column demeaning what he refers to as activist “soft” pseudoscience.

Rep. Selina Bliss is wrong. She is the sponsor of HB 2332, which would mandate gun safety training for grades 6-12.

To increase the passenger numbers to use the wonderful new terminal at Prescott, the airport authority needs to do the following, in my opinion.

I read several times the side-by-side columns in the Feb. 12 Daily Courier (where Anthony Torres and Pam Kehaly blamed each other’s organizations for the current Dignity/Blues impasse) and each time I came away simply confused.

In reply to Glenn Miller’s letter about the debt ceiling, my recollection of the film wasn’t crashing into each other but driving them off a cliff, the last one to bail out was the winner!

There was a James Dean film in the ’50s that featured a scene where two young men play chicken and drive their cars straight at each other to see who averts the collision first.

Our founding fathers were keenly aware of the difference between “freedom” and “license.”

I have questions for the Prescott Unified School District board regarding the adoption of the TCI social studies curriculum.

Does our Town Council really believe there are people who want all growth to stop?

Republicans who lost did it to themselves. Sure, there’s evidence that the ballot paper size problems in Maricopa County could have altered some numbers, but let’s focus on facts.

It was very disappointing to see that HB 2167 did not even get out of committee. This bill would strengthen penalties for fentanyl dealers by making drug-trafficking homicides a class 1 felony.

Regarding the calls to “Defund the Police,” it is painfully apparent no place is “safe.”

In regards to the letter by Harry Haff on Jan. 19: where does one start?

To the ranter who complained in the Sunday, Jan. 29, Daily Courier that “You’d think the House GOP would craft legislation to solve the border ‘crisis’ they scream about.”

It makes for interesting reading when one looks at the ongoing tension about the Prescott Unified School District social studies curriculum, and the write up in our local newspaper.

We remember when Pioneer Parkway was completed. Not too many vehicles used it then. Ten years later, it has become a major artery that is in need of repaving. ...

RE: Prescott is on the Precipice: Newbies and NIMBYS – I consider myself a “Realibee,” defined as someone whose opinions are guided by facts. I have great news to report.

All too often we inadvertently take for granted the work of a civil servant. When we are irritated with something in our area, of course we know whom to blame.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, District 10 in Yavapai County, would like to offer our grateful thanks to the Albertsons companies and Regional Manager Nancy Keane for their generous donations during the Christmas holiday season.

The 2025 Prescott General Plan Review Committee is currently updating Prescott’s general plan.

I appreciated the Courier article in December in which Fire Chief Scott Freitag spoke about Prop 310 — but wish the information had come before the election.

The Citizens Water Advocacy Group (CWAG), a local nonprofit with over 350 members, has followed a science-based approach to assessing our water situation for the past 20 years.

I am writing in response to the Talk of the Town, “Hobbs, education: don’t just throw money at problem,” by John Courtis published in the Courier on Tuesday, Jan. 10, regarding education funding and policy in Arizona.

As a candidate, our new governor, Democrat Katie Hobbs, promised “transparency and accountability” in her administration, then refused to allow reporters to attend her official swearing-in ...

In response to the story, “PUSD social studies curriculum under scrutiny by grassroots committee” (Jan. 22), if the Citizens & Educators for Excellence in Arizona Education determine ...

In response to the rant published earlier this month (Jan. 8), regarding George Santos: “With all that’s known about George Santos...

On his third day of incapacitating the House of Representatives, Eli Crane was asked what he wanted in exchange for supporting Kevin McCarthy for Speaker...

With the farce of Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-California, completely selling out his integrity to achieve his goal of being Speaker of the House, it pays to take a look at the people to whom he bowed his knee.

On behalf of the Martin Luther King Jr. committee I want to thank the people of Prescott for turning out in such impressive numbers on Monday.

Football scores: Georgia beat TCU 65-7. LSU beat Purdue 63-7. Both games had good TV viewership as they were collegiate bowl games.

RE: Editor Tim Wiederaenders’ column entry, “Speaker?” He complains about the U.S. House speaker election process being unlike our General and Primary elections. The rules for House Speaker were followed; if only the primaries and general elections could claim the same.

Here we go again! Arizona Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, wants to eliminate public notices from newspapers through Senate Bill 1006.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, serving all of the Quad Cities, extends its heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported our annual “Don’t Spend Christmas Alone” event.

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday is a day set aside for measuring ourselves against the yardstick of King’s hope and dream.

The other night, my husband and I sat at a booth in a local restaurant, with our conversation drowned out by a middle-aged man (about our age) in the booth behind us, his conversation full of the F word and terms that take God’s name in vain.

The Arizona Christmas Spirit we all needed to read was buried in your Arizona History:

I‘m struck by Judy McKenzie’s letter, “Hate of Trump,” trying to blame our political divide on Democrats saying they “are plain nasty.” I know both Democrats and Republicans and none of them are “nasty.”

The Courier frequently publishes David McNabb’s letters, the latest being Dec. 16.

Regarding Donald Scott Aper’s letter, “Still moderate conservative, but not GOP,” he failed to mention that President Joe Biden nor Vice President Kamala Harris have visited our border, and hundreds of thousands of people from more than 150 countries have pretty much walked across our border in the past two years.

The Rants & Raves section in The Daily Courier is high in entertainment value. One moment you can read mature wisdom and the next embarrassing ignorance.

Here we are again, beginning another year. My experience with our local newspaper has been exceptional for years, especially with my business advertising and the Editorial Department.

I admit that I am not a wildlife hunter, but I fully respect the rights of those wanting to engage in hunting. If I were starving and a hunter offered me a fresh venison steak, I wouldn’t refuse it.

To Christians: When voting in a presidential election, a question we must ask ourselves... are we voting for a pastor or for the best qualified candidate to lead this nation?

I’m well into my 78th year and for the majority of my life I’ve been a moderate conservative.

I am appalled that yet again David McNabb feels compelled to slam former President Donald Trump.

Thank you, Glenn Miller (Dec. 21 letter, “Refuting election claims”), for taking the initiative and time to call out that nonsense letter about SCOTUS and removing politicians from office (Dec. 20).

This letter is in response to a letter by Jim Martin in the 12/20/2022 edition of the Courier (Not Party or Politics).

The Brunson v. Adams SCOTUS case #22-380, the “Election Integrity Case,” will receive an emergency hearing on Jan. 6, 2023. This case isn’t about party or politics but ...

I am alarmed by the amount of hate that is projected in today’s political discourse.

Recently, The Daily Courier reported that the Prescott City Council appointed Council Member Brandon Montoya as the new Mayor Pro Tem. (Nov. 23, 2022)

The recent attack on the North Carolina power grid should be considered a real threat to our national security.

At the last legislative session state politicians bragged about all the new funding that they passed for education in Arizona.

It was with increasing shock and horror that I read of the Yavapai County board’s action in agreeing to issue bonds to support the building of a fourth campus for the Gilbert Christian School in Maricopa County.

I have noticed that lately there are many more “Rants” than “Raves” in the “Rants and Raves” section of the “Courier,” and that fewer of the ostensibly voluminous “Letters to the Editor” are being printed.

My mom passed away recently. Before this year ends and another year begins, I want to publicly thank three very important care providers.

Thank you for the excellent article written by Nanci Hutson regarding the presentation made by Jason Burns to Armed to Know (Teens & their Parents).

Yavapai County Recorder Michelle Burchill, along with the Voter Registration and Elections Department, would like to thank the full-time staff, seasonal staff, poll workers, county departments, sheriff’s office, county attorneys, the local political parties, county administration and the BOS for their support.

We may have just entered a new, grave period in America. The election has shown us that candidates – people we elect as congressmen, senators, state legislators, governors, etc. – are not necessary. Let’s count the ways.

What is the common denominator between the increase in teenage girl suicide and insane conspiracy theories? Very simple, it is the advent of the internet and social media.

I want to thank Sheila Polk for her decades of dedicated service in keeping Yavapai County a safe place in which to thrive.

Bill Weiss (Nov 22) in rebuttal to Dorothy Cora Moore’s letter (Nov 11) states that Roe vs Wade was about women having a choice and the Jewish victims of the holocaust had no choice.

Dorothy Cora Moore’s letter (Nov. 11) describing how she told a Jewish lawyer who supported Roe v. Wade that “you will have more blood on your hands than Hitler,” ...

My wife and I would like to extend our gratitude to the Town of Prescott Valley and its Public Works Department for the exceptional job ...

When leaders speak, it matters when they lie or promote violence. It has been documented that former President Trump lied over 2,100 times in his first year of office. He attacked the press as the enemy of the people putting himself in direct conflict with the founding fathers.

Over my 85 years, I’ve had the privilege of enjoying some great stage shows even on Broadway, but “Hello Dolly!” performed by the Yavapai College Performing Arts Department was as excellent as any of those.

RE: Talk of the Town accurate coverage of the Mexican Wolf recovery needed – I am no wildlife expert, but I am a resident lover of our Prescott wildlife, cherished by many in this community.

I have read numerous rants about the abortion issue, which is playing a role in our politics today.

As a parent of two kids who went to our schools and graduated from Prescott High School under Joe Howard’s leadership, I am dismayed at Mr. Salomone’s Talk the Town essay that described our district as “declining.”

As this election cycle comes to a close, perhaps we should consider a better process. In early times, leaders ascended to power by blood lines; today, it has become a popularity contest.

The recent “Talk of the Town” editorial by the chair of the Yavapai County Republican Party, begs a response.

I am turning 65 on Dec. 30, and I have been researching Medicare. I sent this email to my son describing what I found out. Just thought you guys might get a laugh from it.

RE: ‘Strange Interpretation’ by Christine Flowers – In this Oct. 28 Courier column, Flowers discussed an interview Mike Barnacle had with Stacey Abrams, Democrat candidate for governor in Georgia.

I’ve known Sandy Griffis from hosting the KQNA radio show “Hammer Time,” but recently she intervened on my behalf after I felt mistreated by a local contractor.

Recently I made a comment online in response that Christian nationalism was a major threat to American democracy and was amazed with some of the blindered, misguided and downright vicious responses I received.

Since the first of the year, I have driven 12,500 miles, and averaging 25 mpg equates to 500 gallons of gas.

A little perspective on the current economic situation is called for. Yes, there is inflation. President Biden didn’t cause it.

I am alarmed by the rise of fascism in this country, and the complacency of the general public.

Back in June the U.S. Supreme Court decided that the right to choose had no basis in the Constitution.

Before the 1960s my guess is that 90% of the females would have never considered having an abortion.

In a prior Courier article, the city approved raises for three positions: city manager, city attorney and city clerk ...

Thank you to the Prescott mayor and councilors for postponing the vote on Resolution No. 2022-1842 in order to re-work the language regarding member participation in meetings along with member behavior that could negatively affect a Board, Commission and Committee (BCC).

An open letter to the citizens of the Prescott greater area:

Why doesn’t the U.S.A. send more job opportunities to the Latin American countries, especially Mexico? These immigrants are looking for a better life.

There has been a lot written over the past several months about Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in public schools.

At our house (off of Rosser in the center of town up on a hill) we got 19 inches during the season, according to our Davis Weather System.

I read with interest a Talk of the Town by Jessica Ebel, and it would seem that the vote is clearly in that a dream team of candidates is highly recommended by the Prescott Education Association.

Voters need to recognize that the majority of the Arizona Legislature is hostile to the state Constitution authorizing citizen initiative powers.

So the migrants that de Santis sent north are coming back to Florida and are now leading the cleanup efforts after Hurricane Ian. Some of these immigrants traveled 2,000 miles, were robbed, beaten, raped, and arrive in a country that doesn’t want them.

We are stunned by your recent recommendations concerning the top portion of the ballot.

With Prescott and area communities being a retirement destination, there is an increasing number of “walkers” who use its roadways to get their exercise.

Patriot Week, Sept. 9-17, 2022, at the Prescott Valley Civic Center, memorialized the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots who lost their lives in the 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire.

We who live here in Prescott and vicinity are so fortunate to have such talent among us as demonstrated by the “Rainer and Friends Ballet Gala” on Sept. 24.

To say that I was dumbfounded by some of the Courier Editorial Board’s recommended choices is an understatement.

In the past, I have been impressed that The Daily Courier has tried to be even handed in the coverage of political issues. It is truly disappointing to see the Oct. 9 recommendations of the Editorial Board for the upcoming election.

Is it typical for governments outside of their General Plan jurisdiction limits to provide input into the General Plan vision for another specific jurisdiction?

When I hear people in our community rail against social and emotional learning (SEL), I can’t help but wonder what good that unsupportive mindset can possibly do for our children.

I usually try to reserve my desire to respond to everything printed in the Courier that I don’t agree with.

Columnist Michael Reagan stated on Sept. 20 that the Queen was “an essentially symbolic but politically important leader of her country.” However, the Royals are specifically expected to be non-political, not representing a political party.

When the Prescott city government first announced it would be selling the old City Hall property, I started talking about the building as a historic site.

Scanning this past Wednesday’s newspaper I came across an obituary for Robert “Bobby” Brown, old memories came to mind as I lost my dad not long ago.

Aaron Valdez’s column “Student loan forgiveness” will undoubtedly attract plenty of comments.

The “Inflation Reduction Act” was quickly renamed “The Climate Bill” the day after it was signed.

In the Wednesday, Sept. 21 Courier, News Editor Aaron Valdez wrote in a column how he was glad that President Joe Biden was forgiving $10,000 to $20,000 in student loan debt per student.

I have attended many school board candidate forums for the upcoming election.

John Stossel’s article titled “Scientific Integrity” claims that government science is being misused by progressive politicians and that closing areas of the ocean to fishing to increase catches “doesn’t seem logical.”

We two here, took great notice of one governor candidate’s refusal to participate in a debate with her opponent.

RE: “Palguta: Regional cooperation will move us all toward better communities” guest column (Sept. 13), “I can speak only for Prescott Valley when I say ‘no,’ we as a community are not perfect.”

RE: PUSD/HUSD School Board members, they are asking parents and members of the community to trust them with the education of our children. We are asking them to trust us.

RE: “Prescott Valley YavLine on demand micro-transit service begins mid-September” – Other than a $2 charge per ride, costs are not mentioned other than Coronavirus Aid Relief Economic Security (CARES) act funding.

Just to say thanks again, to those who have continued to help keep our historic Centennial “P” on Badger Mountain, beautiful! MANY, MANY people have been involved!

I purchased a lot in Golf Links Subdivision in 1994 and have lived there for the past 21 years. At that time I asked about the noise coming from the “small” airport nearby.

I keep reading in interest the debate over growth in this city. The arguments are colorful from both sides.

The proposed Airport Vicinity Overlay District (AVO) will do more harm than good if implemented.

On Wednesday, Aug. 31 while walking on the pedestrian sidewalk that borders Prescott Lakes Parkway, I was startled by a loud shout: “Move!”

Regarding the Aug. 26 front-page article on Prescott police/firefighters having difficulty filling empty positions, it always seems to come down to not paying enough money!

In my opinion, you can tell the true character of a person by the way they treat others, especially others they don’t know. And one of the best measuring sticks of determining this is how someone drives.

I am wondering if any local law enforcement official is brave enough to address the current environment occurring in Arizona.

Many of us are fed up with government as usual … and I mean really fed up. The intensity of these feelings often leads to some incredulous suggested solutions.

Should we be fostering American Patriotism in our schools? Yes. Such is the nature of a recent bill introduced in Arizona. This includes educating our future generations on the horrid attempts to strip America of its freedoms and values, and why they failed.

I wish to thank Patrick Leyden for his letter (Aug. 3), entitled “Religion & Authoritarianism.”

In the Aug. 11 Courier there was an article, titled “Proposed new Prescott Airport protections result in legal challenges from area developers.”

As of Thursday, the Quad Cities now have six community wells (out of 16) identified as tainted with PFAS.

I’ve noted a couple recent letters from folks who say they didn’t vote for Trump last election, but they would next time.

Congress is broken, and we mere mortals feel helpless to fix it.

Looking at the unemployment rates that the government is bragging about because they are below 4% have been that way for years and years, except during the COVID crisis.

Kudos to Jim Hardy for his personal epiphany re: Biden/Trump. I was not a fan of Trump’s ego and his tweets either, but I fully supported his agenda and his accomplishments.

Great news folks, according to Joe Biden (as of recently on national TV ) there Is no inflation. We have his word “as a Biden “on it.

Hal Bray’s letter of Wednesday, Aug. 10, was more opinion and belief, rather than fact.

I’ve been reflecting on past life decisions. As a lifelong Democrat, I voted twice for Barack Obama, and most recently trusted Joe Biden’s call for a new normalcy. And here it is, a new normal that is unacceptable.

I read with shock the Aug. 7 sports story regarding the Yavapai College Administration’s plans to restructure the athletics budget. There are so many problems here, I don’t know where to start!

In his letter to the Courier on Aug. 5, Jim Rubin asked: “Why do Republicans want to hinder the investigation of former President Trump and the Jan. 6 insurrection?”

I was neither surprised nor upset that former President Donald Trump was on the front page. He is a famous person and more than half the population in Yavapai County voted for him.

As a lifelong Republican, I recently voted for candidates who accepted the fact that Donald Trump lost in 2020 and moved on. Instead, ...

Why do Republicans want to hinder the investigation of former President Donald Trump and the Jan. 6 insurrection?

Thomas Jefferson’s metaphor – “a wall of separation between church and state” – is one of the most abused phrases in America.

I’m looking forward to the new Christmas event in Prescott this year.

Thank you to Superintendent Joe Howard for his stand on supporting every child, regardless of each one’s many identities. Every life that comes to us is precious.

What am I supposed to do in the remainder of my life with the world’s population about to die unless the atmosphere is miraculously cleansed?

On July 28, Valerie Allain wrote about the animal cruelty she came upon when a dog was left in a hot car.

Whether playing sports, entering a contest or a candidate for an election there’s always winners and losers. Used to be a good sportsman took losing graciously and was admired. That’s how it SHOULD work.

Recent polls show Americans’ growing distrust of many institutions. They have shown record lows in the trust in news agencies, banks and most government institutions.

To the lady in the blue Ford SUV who left her small white dog in a hot car at Walmart on Gail Gardner, granted you left the windows open and a dish of water but your pet was in terrible distress.

RE: Sandy Griffis’ counter-point to “Who does growth benefit?” As executive director for the Yavapai County Contractors Association, Sandy Griffis’ conclusion (“Growth is good.”) comes as no surprise. It’s her job to be a cheerleader for that industry.

Since the last City of Prescott election was less than a year ago, the Prescott City Council should offer Jessica Hall’s council seat to the next highest vote getter in that election, Brandon Montoya.

For 50 years, I was registered as a Republican. With the polarized direction that both major parties have been going, I changed my affiliation to “Party Not Designated” in 2021.

The Republican Party used to stand for integrity, a strong military, and a federal government that would not over reach, or spend more than it took in and strong conservative values. But no more.

The Biden Administration has a dictionary that is different than ours. They say, “The Border is closed,” when over four million illegal immigrants have come into this country under Joe’s watch.

As a registered Independent, I feel like I’m getting some mixed messages from the Republicans.

Early every morning, I take my dogs on a walk to my local park in Prescott Valley. On the way, I pass home after home with beautifully xeriscaped yards containing trees and shrubs that require little to no irrigation.

In response to the July 11 Courier article, “Yavapai County officials say Aug. 2 primary will move smoothly despite two key resignations,” the Democratic Women of the Prescott Area (DWPA) would like to thank Yavapai County Recorder Leslie Hoffman and Elections Director Lynn Constabile for their faithful, professional service.

The July 12 “Our Readers Speak…” presented a letter reading in part: “Remember, police officers were killed during the insurrection…” This is one of the “Big Lies” promoted by the progressive left.

I am confused about people’s reactions to the recent Supreme Court rulings.

I am opposed to the Sundog Connector because it will introduce increased traffic, noise and crime to the peaceful 1,300-home Yavapai Hills neighborhood, in existence since the 1980s.

In response to Michael Ellegood’s Talk of the Town submission and the public interviews by Leslie Hoffman and Lynn Constablie, I have some questions and thoughts:

To prevent future resignations of county election officials due to harassment and threats, Yavapai County should consider effective countermeasures when conducting county business.

Video ads promoting Republican candidates are all over the place; running on TV and on streaming services, backed up by signs on every usable street corner.

With all of these honest and dedicated election officials and volunteers being harassed out of their jobs, I’m afraid of who will be willing to replace them.

The Prescott Lion Clubs would like to thank the citizens of Prescott for supporting the recent Lions Pancake Breakfast.

I want to thank both Leslie Hoffman (Yavapai County Recorder) and Lynn Constabile (Yavapai County Elections Director) for the outstanding and non-partisan leadership they displayed in running the Recorder’s Office and the Elections Department over the years.

I would like to respond to the letter by Nigel Reynolds of July 5.

I had to answer the questions posed by Patrick Leyden (letter, “Time for birth control”).

I think the Supreme Court has made a big mistake in outlawing Roe.

A belated thank you to the Prescott Valley couple who gave my wife and I free great Diamondback tickets behind home plate for the June 19th Father’s Day game.

Now let’s talk birth control.

Isn’t camping out in nature great? Whistling winds, bird song, pine scent, starry nights, ignoring fire restrictions.

I recently suffered through an incident where I was attacked and severely beaten by a group of emotionally troubled young men and spent a couple of days in the Intensive Care Unit at YRMC East Campus.

On July 4, 1776, the United States of America was born. With our Declaration of Independence, our forefathers revolted against British tyranny and created the freest nation the world has ever known. But this land of liberty is under siege.

President Joe Biden has ordered the amount of ethanol in gasoline be increased from 10% to 15%.

In response to Nancy Scharff’s letter, “Dem has questions for GOP,” why are the Democrats flooding our communities with illegal immigrants and fentanyl?

The news that Putin is the cause of our gas prices at the pump is fallacies.

Regarding Mr. Hartman’s column on June 16, 2022. Here are a couple of quotes from George Mason, a delegate from Virginia to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, on why the Second Amendment was added as part of the “Bill of Rights” in 1791.

On June 14, 2022, the Prescott City Council and Mayor Goode listened to input from both a developer and residents of Pinon Oaks regarding the development on the Southwest corner near the intersection of Pinon Oaks and Willow Creek.

Inevitably since the carnage in Uvalde members of the GOP/gun rights supporters have offered condolences, prayers and a multitude of platitudes.

The Chicken Little, do something, knee-jerk reaction to gun violence will not do anything to stop criminals from using guns to kill people!

This is in response to John Courtis’ letter, printed on May 27, in which he poses a few questions to Democrats.

Sandy Hook and now Uvalde. Parents and communities mourn. Republicans (I’m one) dodge action, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas says his “heart is with the parents of the (19) murdered children and (2) teachers,” but he’s keeping the $176,000 that the NRA gave him.

The fact that 19 children were executed by a sick, disturbed kid whose dysfunctional, irresponsible parents abandoned him is horrific!

Government is essential to our lives and it is a very difficult art. One sees how difficult it is when one considers the appalling mistakes that rulers have made throughout the ages, and continue to make today.

I’d like to start off by complimenting you in the printing of the “Talk of the Town” column Tuesday, June 7, by Bruce Newsom and the letter by Sgt. Bob Sherman on making sense of fact from fiction.

If women’s access to safe and legal abortion is taken away, please be clear: women and girls will die. Abortions will not stop.

The Daily Courier column stated there are no absolutes when it comes to what we know about gun violence. Actually, here’s the absolutes...

A big thank you to Groome Transportation.

Ironically in Uvalde, Texas, with their children’s bodies still at the crime scene, residents weren’t talking about the guns or gun control, but rather about the incompetence of the police and the need to further harden the schools.

Americans are known as innovative, able to create new things or find solutions to problems.

The Opinions page is just that; they should be based on fact and research. The opinion by columnist Alexandra Piacenza on May 29 lacks these.

Every time there is a highly publicized school shooting this question is heard in every corner: Why is this happening?

The Steady Spiral Downward; thanks, Fernando Mendigutia, for your letter last week.

“Senate Republicans squash vote on background checks for firearm buys.” No, this would not have helped to prevent the tragedy in Uvalde nor in Sandy Hook nor in Columbine.

Kelli Ward and her faction of the Arizona GOP want a judge to overturn how over 90% of Arizona voters vote, which is by mail.

I had a very pleasant experience on Memorial Day at the Prescott Texas Roadhouse restaurant.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces.

Thank you for the column Wednesday, May 25, by News Editor Aaron Valdez on “How do we stop these mass shootings?” I thoroughly agree that we need to learn from other countries such as Japan and Germany.

I am sick and tired of “thoughts and prayers.” Our elected officials throw this out as if they are doing something that is good, and, yet, are unwilling to fight and to stop taking money from the NRA.

I have many friends who are Democrats. They are intelligent, aware, educated, knowledgeable and open minded. They know what is right and they know what is wrong.

In response to the letter from Fernando Mendigutia that was printed on Thursday, I admit I had different emotions as I read what he wrote. Mostly, I was saddened to hear his perspective.

Every day in the news the internet seems to dredge up ever increasing and ever-more political insanity that not only makes you shake your head, but makes you worried about America’s future.

In a Talk of the Town column in this paper, Arizona Sen. Paul Boyer supports the upcoming ballot measure Arizona Fire District Safety Act (SCR 1049).

In Deborah Thalasitis’s Letter to the Editor (May 19), regarding the city budget, she asks why the cost estimate to widen Highway 89A ...

This is in response to Sunday’s pro-growth column by Prescott City Councilman/business man Steve Sischka titled: “In case you haven’t noticed, it’s the market.”

On Tuesday, the Prescott City Council held its annual budget workshop. If the public has questions we are supposed to call city staff. In the interest transparency, here are my questions.

What is going on at Yavapai College? They have canceled their pickleball program. I don’t understand why. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U.S.

I am finished listening to the “green” evangelists.

Whether or not Yavapai County School Superintendent Tim Carter really was asked for a list of questions for potential school board members or not, his recent Talk of the Town (Sunday, May 15) was refreshing and instructive.

Gas prices are extraordinarily high, as if no one has noticed.

As usual News Editor Aaron’s Valdez’s column, “Public education is vital pillar in our society, democracy,” focuses entirely on “the subpar job of allocating money” and presumes this is the sole reason Arizona is ranked at or near the bottom in U.S. public school rankings.

I would like to thank the various groups as well as the city governments that have built and continue to maintain our wonderful trails in the Prescott area.

May 6-12 is National Nurses Week. I recently experienced surgery at YRMC East Campus and was so impressed by the pre-op and post-op staff.

On behalf of the Granite Dells Preservation Foundation, I want to thank the community for their support for our Spring for the Dells Art Show and Auction on April 24.

Pardon me, but didn’t we fight long and hard to save this land from development?

I will not give an opinion on abortion or any other current hot issue.

I am very disheartened by the lack of caring in our society.

In response to Christine Flowers article on free speech warriors, and as someone who also attended law school and practiced under the tutelage of a conservative law expert, I feel qualified to respond to address her false assumptions.

I would like to give a “SHOUT OUT” for Sandy Griffis. This is one amazing individual who exemplifies one of the best people we have in Prescott!

I have a suggestion for the City of Prescott to save some money.

On April 4, 12 residents from Las Fuentes were enjoying a lunch at Casa Sanchez. When it was time to pay the bill, the waitress informed us that two gentlemen sitting in a booth next to us had paid the bill for all 12 of us.

Much of what’s appeared in the Courier supporting outlawing water outside the City limits has been incorrect.

About three weeks ago there was an article in your paper stating that a proposal to demolish a building on Whiskey Row and replace it with a hotel had been rejected. I was sorry to hear that.

How do we decide who gets water outside the city? What is the criteria? Can the city require tiered water rates? No mass grading? Xeriscape? Can the city dictate the size, scale and scope?

After the legislature pushed through the bill that eliminated elections for precinct committeemen without reading it, they found the approach so successful that a few weeks ago they did the same with a major education funding bill.

Seems we have a big problem in the Quad Cities.

In reference to the article on April 10, titled “Group seeks to block Rep. Finchem, accused insurrectionists from elections,” thank you to Howard Fisher for writing a balanced article. Well done.

In a few states – Colorado, Montana, Florida, for example – there are lower night-time speed limits on certain highways. Most states do this in order to protect wildlife.

Regarding the letter to the editor by Michael Logan this week on “Insurrection claims” and his claim of illegal, felon and unregistered voters, as well as ballot trafficking and harvesting and the uncontrolled mass-mailing of ballots from the 2020 election.

Michael Logan in his April 13 letter to the editor (“Insurrection claims”) is displeased with a political action group for numerous reasons.

The group “Free Speech for People” (leftist people, that is) wants to strip me of my voting rights.

I was pleased to read the Talk of the Town column by City Councilwoman Cathy Rusing on March 26, entitled “Who says we are confused?” She details 10 key reasons why the City of Prescott should change its water policy and stop giving water away to developers outside the city limits.

To effectively cope with the needs of terminally ill people all over the world, hospice is called in.

News Editor Aaron Valdez writes: “I vehemently oppose using the term ‘illegal’ to describe a person as it is completely dehumanizing.” Sorry, Mr. Valdez, but when someone breaks our laws, it’s illegal.

In response to David Eagle’s letter concerning the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the SPR was created under the Conservation Act of 1975 in response to energy shortages created by the 1973-74 Arab oil embargo.

The original purpose of the Strategic Oil Reserve was to guard against being cut off from imported oil in case of war.

We attended the opening game of the Northern Arizona Wranglers, the indoor football team playing at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. It was a fun and lively experience.

Regarding Sandy Griffis’ Talk of the Town column about how Prescott will quickly become a ghost town without continued development, I have some thoughts:

Congratulations to the libertarian syndicated columnist, John Stossel, on standing up to widespread fears about immigrants in his column, “Let Them In.”

Here is something I feel passionate about. A friend came up with the name “Freedom to Choose.” Love, joy and happiness are sure to follow. Eighteen starts our age to take care of ourselves. No longer is anybody the boss of you.

On the often reoccurring subject of more development, we are constantly hearing the adjectives responsible, managed, smart, planned, inevitable, etc. These words sound very thoughtful and responsible.

I applaud Sandy Griffis’ Talk of the Town.

In response to Sandy Griffis’ Talk of the Town, “Water policy changes, call to halt growth misguided,” (March 31). Her column touted the heroic efforts of the developers who save our city from ruin.

Sandy Griffis’ Talk of the Town attempts to portray Prescott as community rife with dissension about the absolute question of growth versus no growth. Nothing could be further from the truth.

John Stossel’s March 25 column was misleading.

House Bill 2674 was originally titled ‘Municipal Zoning, By Right Housing.’ It is now in the State Senate as H2674 titled ‘Housing Supply Study Committee.’

Reply to Nicholas J. Dosky’s letter to the editor about Proposition 208. It was seen to be unconstitutional — not because it was only going to tax a certain group of people, but because it would give education more money than the law allows.

Last year, Rep. John Kavanagh from Fountain Hills said, “Everybody shouldn’t be voting.” Rep. John Fillmore from Apache Junction wants to take us back to 1958.

As I walked my dog recently in Granite Creek Park, I noticed a most heartening sight.

On Tuesday, March 22, the Prescott City Council voted 4-3 to name the Centennial Center after a mayor who saved the building, not the man who was the Man of the Century for our actual Centennial in 1964.

In his recent Letter to the Editor titled “What Happened?” Lloyd Miller decried the fact that Proposition 208, a tax increase on the wealthy in support of schools, passed by a vote of the people was “shot down” by elected officials.

I understand there is a discussion to see whose name will go on the Centennial building in Prescott.

I feel very fortunate that I live in a nation that was established and is governed “of the people, for the people, and by the people.”

Worried about our fresh water supply? Here is a wild and crazy idea: Run your irrigation system less frequently.

As a resident in an historic district of Prescott, I received a letter from the City of Prescott announcing the March meeting of the Prescott Preservation Commission.

What’s going on in the Ukraine reminds me of the battle of the Alamo. Readers of a certain age will remember either the historical story or the John Wayne movie of the same name.

Taxpayers like myself are dumfounded by the wide-open border policy of the Biden Administration and their further plans to cover the costs of bringing thousands of immigrants into the United States.

If you believe in democracy, you may soon have a local way to prove it by doing your part to actively support freedom.

Xenophobia definition: dislike or prejudice against people from other countries.

Prescott cannot become “the premier community in the Southwest” without fully funded public schools.

A Courier reader wrote a rant called “Stop Your Bellyaching.” Suggesting we should shut up and accept higher fuel prices. Why?

With the fast pace, leaps and steps going on with construction, a huge shout out to Peri & Everett Sharp of Sharp Safety Consulting for teaching and certifying many Yavapai County Contractors Association members in OSHA 10 and OSHA 30.

This is in response to the Talk of the Town column by Robert Pike on March 9.

Most reasonable people agree that we should be responsible stewards of our planet and the abundant resources God has provided.

Researchers are warning Arizona is using up its groundwater.

Recent television advertisements by political candidates that focus on challenges with unlawful immigration and violence at our border have prompted me to ask concerned citizens to consider three questions.

Interesting article in Thursday’s paper about the 18 traffic stops for speeding on Iron Springs Road.

Thank you, Daily Courier, for warning us (Sunday, March 6) about the proposed new, six-story hotel right in the middle of historic downtown Whiskey Row.

As an architectural student, a long-time critic of so-called progressive development, and a historian who’s written 70 books, most with historical research at their heart, to my surprise I have to be in favor of the proposed hotel on Whiskey Row.

I wish to respond to the article “Stringfield Ranch get Yavapai County Board of Supervisors approval.”

We appreciated the editorial acknowledgment of the work that the Prescott Litter Lifters do for the community.  (Daily Courier 3/3/22)

Regarding Dick Polman’s column, “Republicans aiding the enemy.” Apparently, Polman has selective memory loss when it comes to “rallying around a sitting president during a time of international crisis.”

I am astounded daily by the rude, irresponsible, dangerous way people in this city drive!

This could or may have already happened in your neighborhood. Zoning changes made without factual, moral consideration of the residential area in question.

On Feb. 27, while traveling with my daughter, who is from Hawaii, with her driving, we encountered the closure of Highway 89 at Pioneer Parkway; we found it completely closed.

Following some very tense months, we wish to express our appreciation to the more than two thirds of the Arizona legislators who voted to allow public district schools to exceed the Aggregate Expenditure Limit for this year.

I’d like to extend a great big country THANKS to all the great folks in and around Prescott for the wonderful attendance and reception of the premiere of my film “Eye For Eye,” the concert by Shane Clouse, and the costume contest.

The Harvard study showing that people on a plant-based diet are 41% less likely to develop severe COVID-19 did not surprise me.

So much local history can get overlooked and then lost to time. One of the ways to honor the people of Prescott who made a difference in our world is to name a building after them.

Prescription drugs are an expense that Arizona residents already struggle to afford. Now, as Congress debates how to lower the cost of medications for people, the FDA is moving in the opposite direction and proposing a new policy (GFI #256) that could raise the cost of many medications for pets by more than 300%!

I am writing in regards to the Kelly Paradis column, “Love is patient; love is kind,” published on Feb. 13.

A few days ago, I read the “COVID-19 Update” in The Daily Courier that reported a Harvard study has concluded that those who report eating more “fruits, vegetables and legumes” have a 9% lower risk of getting COVID and those who eat the most fruits, vegetables have a 41% lower risk of developing severe COVID.

Editor: On behalf of Prescott Valley American Legion Post 140 and Earnest A. Love Post 6 in Prescott, we would like to publicly thank Prescott Valley Vice Mayor Lori Hunt for taking her personal time, away from town business, to train for and become a judge at the American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program.

So, I read in Tuesday’s Courier that the West is in the worst mega-drought in 1,200 years, and it’s being blamed on human-caused climate change.

Joe Zarnoch responded to my Feb. 8 Talk of the Town column on water outside the city limits.

This past week The Daily Courier published a letter, “Ides of March” by Richard Shoemaker, which offended some readers.

Concerning the article about pre-construction work underway for I-17 major improvement project, we drive back and forth from Prescott to Glendale often...

Yavapai County Superior Court Judge Anna Young (Feb. 12 article) is an inspiring and valuable account of leadership helping to turn lives around for the positive benefit of youth and community.

The right to work is a fundamental right here in Arizona, but it’s truly sad to see some lawmakers in Washington angling to tilt the scales in favor of unions and against the local Prescott businesses that keep our community strong.

Let me begin by respectfully acknowledging that Howard Mechanic has probably forgotten more information about Prescott water usage and history than I’ll ever know. And, yet, I couldn’t help but be taken aback by something he acknowledged deep in his recent column in this newspaper, essentially that our active management area is in “huge overdraft.”

I was so happy to see the law enforcement agencies article, "Multi-agency speed detail nets 123 citations on Prescott-area highways, roads."

I am always impressed with Howard Mechanic’s columns. His latest, Feb. 8, on water serves to emphasize the need for future planning for water and development.

There has been a lot of hoopla recently about our rights as Americans, mostly about not getting vaccinated or wearing masks.

Howard Mechanic’s Talk of the Town column in The Daily Courier on Tuesday, Feb. 8, regarding the City of Prescott providing water outside city limits is based on erroneous assumptions.

Conversations about the preservation of wildlife in proposed and existing developments has become a concern for many in this region of Northern Arizona.

John Lutes and David Frazer both provided recent accomplishments of the Biden Administration. However, I believe they left a few off their lists.

“We have met the enemy and he is us,” quoted by Michael Ellegood, president of the Yavapai County Education Foundation’s board. He is stating the truth...

Certainly Wednesday’s letter from John Lutes deserves a rebuttal. The Biden administration that he praises so glowingly has failed miserably.

Over the past year, President Joe Biden has delivered for families right here in Yavapai County and across Arizona. Just weeks after taking office and inheriting a disaster of a country, the Biden administration has worked tirelessly to pass the American Rescue Plan.

Regarding Mr. Gus Scott’s question in “Our Readers Speak” published Jan. 28 about Dr. Charles Leib’s grave site at Prescott’s Masonic Cemetery.

Noted in The Daily Courier, Sunday, Jan. 30, page 1A, above the fold: “County commemorates ‘topping out’ of new Justice Center jail.”

RE: “County commemorates ‘topping out’ of new Justice Center jail” – Former County Supervisor Randy Garrison in the photo is the supervisor who said the jail couldn’t be placed downtown because “the criminals are too dangerous to release downtown.”

It is with interest that I read Howard Fischer’s article published Jan. 19 about “HB2112.”

Regarding Worcester P. Bong’s article in Days Past published Jan. 16, 2022, the online site for the Masonic Cemetery does not have a listing for Dr. Leib Lane or his wife, Mary!

I read Mr. Roy H. Smith’s piece on Winners and Losers, re: the Sundog Connector.

I write to congratulate the Humboldt Unified School District on undertaking personalized instruction.

I hope that Rick Terry’s beautiful equestrian statue in front of City Hall will be moved to a prominent position in town, where it can be enjoyed by all.

Just wondering, if the 2020 census reports that 83% of the Prescott respondents are “white” alone, how does that make Prescott “Everybody’s Hometown”? The United States is less than 60% — at 58% white; the state of Arizona, 54%.

How to solve the need for adequate ambulance and fire service in Prescott and Prescott Valley? While city leaders are wringing their hands over how to fix this, the answer partially lies with the developers ...

Americans are easy to influence.

I want to inform Yavapai County residents of the national blood crisis recently issued by the American Red Cross. This is different from a blood shortage, seasonal blood shortages are not uncommon in the U.S.

Today (Tuesday), I saw two wildly differing opinion pieces regarding the pandemic. Statements such as, “It seems now to be fairly well established...,” are meaningless with no evidence.

Just want to clarify for Ms. Linda Lutes, RN, that annual TB vaccines are NOT routinely administered in this country.

At Sky Harbor Airport, I asked a police officer at the information booth if so many of the inside businesses were closed because it was after 5 p.m., or due to COVID or staffing.

OK, what now? We have tried education, scientific facts, statistics, common sense and logic in fighting the rapid rise in COVID cases.

It is time for practically every jurisdiction in the western world to acknowledge that they have dismally failed to manage the COVID crisis.

Government officials recently conceded that their hospitalization figures for COVID-19 were overstated substantially due to including those hospitalized for other conditions who tested positive for COVID-19.

This past Sunday’s production of ¡Andalusia! in our own Yavapai College Performing Arts Center may have been the best Arizona Philharmonic concert yet — judging by audience reaction: Frequent bravo’s, olé’s, and maybe the longest standing ovation for a classical concert in Prescott, ever.

Here we are, again. The world in yet another pandemic tailspin. The future uncertain and not guaranteed. We created this mess.

Political fighting often brings out the worst in people. Today, the tide of hate and division threatens all of us.

Why do Republicans keep harping on having the election stolen?

A plea to dog owners; this morning our hiking group covered about five miles on the Peavine Trail.

People across the country are asking themselves if 2022 will be a better year. The answer is doubtful, because the impact of Russia’s and China’s global ambitions are yet to be seen. Numerous bumps lay in the road ahead for the Biden Administration to negotiate.

Thank you from Miss Kitty’s Cat House! Miss Kitty’s would like to thank the following local businesses for their generous donations to us during the holiday season...

Thank you for the new format, with a lot more info, at the weather forecast section on page 2.

Enough with the denial about COVID. The vaccines work and work well. It is practically a miracle that they were developed so quickly to combat a deadly virus that has killed more than 800,000 Americans.

Sen. Chuck Schumer wants to vote on “voting rights” (HR.1 & S1, Sen. Mark Kelly’s bill) right away. Why? It allows the federal government to take over state elections.

Coronavirus mRNA vaccines are very safe with a severe side-effect incidence rate of under 0.0025%.

This is in response to Rants & Raves: In response to all who are using the unvaccinated as a scapegoat:

Hello to the cyclists of Prescott area! I walk and hike for fitness but I used to ride a mountain bike too. I have been on both sides of the issue.

The Dec. 22 Prescott Valley Tribune’s “Our Readers Speak,” and the Courier before that, included a letter from Harvey Shaw of Prescott and addressed his views on the alleged COVID-19 pandemic.

While the medical community sees the effects of the COVID pandemic up close and personal, it would seem a shame that Dr. Tom Rusing’s Talk of the Town column (Dec. 28), though factually “preached,” likely fell on the ears of only the choir.

The House recently passed a $770 billion military budget for 2022. It was approved with a truly bi-partisan vote of 363 to 70. Why is it that each year the Congress has no problem passing bills to fund the Pentagon, but when it comes to funding for the needs of our citizens, it is too expensive?

First off, a drought as long as 20 years isn’t a drought. It’s a change in climate.

At last week’s Prescott City Council meeting, citizens spoke on behalf of the PROTECT campaign, which urges the city to prepare for the effects of climate change in our area.

Sunday you published a rant that said, “Recent data from the UK shows 63.5% of all COVID deaths were vaccinated.” While it may have said this in part of the UK report, the writer fails to point out that because the older population is so highly vaccinated the percentage numbers alone are a distortion of what is happening.

Many Prescott and Prescott Valley residents and elected officials talk about the Big Chino as if it’s this huge amount of water sitting up north waiting for someone to turn on the hose to quench the thirst of the residents.

One comment in Ann Sawyer’s letter about the Build Back Better Act caught my attention. She mentions the healing of the ozone hole and the ban against refrigerants.

We’ve been down this road before and haven’t learned anything. COVID kills. Period.

I was at the Prescott High School basketball game this past Friday night (12/16/2021) and saw one of the greatest performances by a PHS basketball player.

Pandemic: A disease across the planet, not something created by any political party. No one — left, right nor from outer space — wants lockdowns, people losing jobs, schools closing. That being said, everyone not willing to do a few simple things will cause everything to happen we don't want.

I am both anxious and hopeful about the inclusion of solar energy development in the Build Back Better Act. Considering Arizona’s vast capacity for generation plus our developing technology for storage, this will be a great boon to our economy, hence my hope for enactment.

We have three major hospitals in this area – the Prescott VA, YRMC West and YRMC East. All take care of COVID patients while attempting to manage those who need care for elective surgeries and other illnesses.

I wonder if the owners of two pickup trucks tooling around Prescott these days and sporting out-sized flags that encourage a vulgar act be performed on President Biden understand the difference between the words can and should.

As an annual expression of their love for the young people of our Yavapai County communities, the Prescott Sunrise Lions Club, has again donated a truck load of toys to the Yavapai County Education Service Agency.

Free American 0704 is a pro liberty grassroots organization located in Prescott, Arizona, led by Shauntá Underwood and a handful of volunteers.

Many American parents believe they own their children. They do not.

Letter-writer Rand Lane (Dec. 7) presents himself as a “centrist” champion of objective journalism, but then praises CNN and condemns Fox News. Why?

I saw the inquiry about a lack of beautiful trails, paved and accessible to those who may be using a wheelchair or walker.

I moved to Prescott in 1999 and built a house with views of 50 to 100 miles.

As a citizen concerned about our region’s water supply, I noted that, in a recent Talk of the Town, a Prescott Valley representative highlighted actions the town is taking with respect to its water management policies.

This letter comes as a response to the letter from Doug Ruhland of Nov. 25, 2021.

Please thank Don Ostendorf for his sage advice. Moving on, it’s a shame he never got to read my original correspondence to the board and the superintendent.

After an almost two-year hiatus from symphony concerts due to COVID, we have just returned from an inspired performance of Handel’s Messiah, performed by the Yavapai Choral Union and the Messiah Festival Orchestra at Yavapai College.

I admire the “Prescott Courier” for offering both sides of the political equation. And yes, it’s correct, in writing that the left and right, “both can be true.”

I work in downtown Prescott. A recent morning one of our customers was verbally threatened by another man. We called the police and Officer Crawford soon arrived.

I strongly disagree with letter writer Steve Roczniak’s main points in his letter published Nov. 24. First, he compares vaccine mandates to drunk driving laws because, he says, drunk driving laws limit your ability to drink when you want.

I believe it is fantastic that the Prescott area has many wonderful trails and opportunities to get outside and see what nature has to offer. There are many trails to enjoy and recently has been reported areas to go and see the leaves and the changing of the season. I believe one group has been left out.

RE: teaching “the brutality of communism in schools” (Courier, Nov. 25), it would be much more useful to teach something like the history of modern Russia, in which Stalin’s starvation of millions of Ukranians, the infamous Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, the repression of freedom movements in Hungary and Czechoslovakia, etc.

I too was disappointed and puzzled by the “Raise the Bar” letter to the editor in June. My husband and I absolutely love the restaurants here in the Prescott area.

I do not necessarily agree with Rep. Quang Nguyen that it should be a state law to teach about the brutality of Communism in schools, but I do believe that to teach and have discussions about the meaning and consequences of communism, at least at high school level, is extremely important.

It has been some time since the letter to the editor, “Raise the bar,” was published (June 2021). It stuck as a thorn in my side, as I suspect it did for others...

City Council heading to Prescott, California? So claimed a recent Courier reader in the newspaper’s “Rants and Raves,” but if not true why is new Mayor Phil Goode’s top priority to construct the $20-plus million Sundog Corridor Connector road ...

Congrats to Prescott’s new mayor and the new faces on our City Council as they begin their terms.

Time for Prescott taxpayers to wake up. For more than a year I’ve tried to read a statement (letter) to the Prescott school board. “No, you’re not on the agenda!” I’ve been told.

From birth to age 5, a child’s brain grows faster than any other time in life! Arizona’s early childhood agency, First Things First, is committed to fostering the healthy development of every child in the state. 90% of brain growth happens before a child reaches kindergarten.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! We have so much to be grateful for in the Prescott area; beautiful weather, friendly people, great shops and restaurants. We have the ability to celebrate safely with family and friends if we choose wisely and follow the dictates of the CDC in limiting the spread of the COVID virus. A few precautions can keep us all safe and healthy.

ANSWER: A spine and A brain QUESTION: What two organs are crucial for an effective government official?

Many Americans are against vaccine and mask mandates because they consider the mandates as government intrusions on their personal freedom. Laws that prohibit driving while drunk should be viewed as similarly intrusive.

Upon reading the article about Northpoint Expeditionary Academy’s closing for two days due to COVID infections, I am amazed at the statement the director, Melissa Wagoner, makes about the degree to which our county has been vaccinated.

With the new re-districting of Arizona Congressional Districts, it appears Prescott has shifted away from the heavily Republican 4th Congressional District to the Democrat leaning 2nd Congressional District for the up-coming midterm election.

In response to Martha Ferreira’s “Clean up after your horses” letter of Nov. 18...

As you may or may not know, Prescott sewer charges are based on winter average water consumption (November through April bills).

People do not clean up after their horses. One day there were two large piles right at the start of the Peavine Trailhead. It is often a challenge to walk on the trails and avoid all the manure.

Marxism, which is a synonym for communism, has slowly become the world view for many Americans.

I love it when I turn on the faucet in my home and water comes out. But there’s serious concern our future water supply is inadequate.

Cartoon editing is a waste of taxpayer dollars and frivolous publicity stunts disgrace our legislative branch of government.

On Oct. 5, a letter was published from William X. Waldrom with a complaint that his “life” and his “days would change forever” due to his new “money hungry investor” neighbors. We’re those neighbors.

This year marked the 14th annual Prescott Area Artist Studio Tour.

Prescott isn’t exactly the type of town where employees have ever felt the need to unionize. We are a small town with small businesses and good people.

In response to Judy Carver's letter: Those of us who are vaccinated know we can still get COVID. We know we can still transmit it to others. In my family's case, our son is immunocompromised. We felt we had no choice but to get vaccinated.

Covid-19 UPDATE, Tim Wiederaenders, Courier Editor “It is a myth that if you are vaccinated for COVID-19, you won’t get sick.” I guess all of the Mandate Now, Risk death over protecting yourself, etc. letter writers didn’t read your little blip about getting Covid and spreading it even if your vaccinated.

Thankfully Michael Reagan’s Nov. 4 column was on the Opinions page; as a piece of factual journalism it was sorely lacking.

It's been over a year now since Arizona passed Proposition 207, also known as the Smart and Safe Act, which legalizes the adult recreational use of marijuana by adults 21 and older.

Yes, it’s true. People are living longer. And even before the pandemic, each day more and more individuals are needing additional, if not 24-hour care.

Halloween day there was a protest on Willow Creek Road and Whipple Street by the hospital.

Concerning Mr. Cygan's letter published Nov. 3 in the Courier, relating data from the U.K. Health Security Agency, I just checked their information online, a detailed report on COVID-19 vaccinations/or not and their results. Nowhere could I find the dire picture made by Mr. Cygan.

John Micek’s article in the 11/2/2021 Courier outlines his belief that Mr. Biden and Congress had a progressive “mandate” (his word) and while the bill on the floor fell far short of this mandate it was essential the “seize the moment.”

In response to the letter from Judy Carver, scientific reasoning has most of us playing the odds. The odds of dying of COVID are reduced 11-fold when vaccinated.

On October 13 the United Kingdom Health Security Agency published the following study: “ALARMING:"

On Sunday, 31 Oct. 21, Alexandra Piacenza, talks about the phases of life and how Life’s Later Stages May be the Best.

It has been documented and widely reported that even if you are fully vaccinated you: 1) can still come down with COVID, 2) can still spread COVID, 3) can still die from COVID, 4) risk serious or fatal side effects from the vaccine, 5) still have to wear masks and social distance in many stores, restaurants, etc., 6) have to provide proof of negative test results from the previous 72 hours if you wish to board an airplane, travel out of country, take a cruise, attend a concert or other community event, attend college, or in some cases even report to work at your own job.

What an honor, what a pleasure, what a thrill to have held our YCCA Annual Gathering at the stunning and charming Phippen Museum. For the readers who have never ventured into this gem, you must take the time to do so.

This is in response to the Letter to the Editor entitled, “Statues to War” by Mr. Summit.

Regarding letters from those of you who think all employees of various hospitals/medical facilities must be vaccinated, try to come off of your righteous thrones and think about this.

I’ve seen it suggested that Colin Powell didn’t die of COVID complications because well, he did have cancer. Nobody other than his doctors and inner circle can know the particulars of his situation, and I don’t pretend to either. But I am a cancer survivor.

In Sunday’s (24 Oct) OpEd the Courier seemed to be likening Sinema to McCain. Though somewhat qualified, the statement still made me cringe.

What is the orientation (capitalism, socialism, or communism) and intent of the Biden administration regarding the economics of the country and the financial well-being of its citizens?

I would like to thank the greater Prescott community to include our citizens, elected officials, various civic organizations, the vast array of first responder agencies/partners, and most importantly the men and women of the Prescott Fire Department.

The Associated Press (America’s Pravda) lied to us for three years about Russian collusion when they knew it was Hillary Clinton collusion with the FBI.

As our supply chain is more and more broken and our grocery store shelves empty, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is home bottle-feeding his adopted kids with his husband.

Common sense steps for voting No on Prop 454: Learn to take cold showers. They are more invigorating, and much shorter which also saves water. Within a year your body will develop immunity to the microbes that reside on dishes washed in cold water.

There’s nothing like a provocative opinion piece about water to raise one’s hackles. And Howard Mechanic’s Oct. 19 Talk of the Town did exactly that for me.

Looking about the Yavapai County Courthouse plaza we witness an attempt at historic revisionism. Statues to "wars" of no national interest.

While I agree that UniSource Energy is a fine and reputable company, I do not believe the City of Prescott should sign a franchise agreement with any contractor for 25 years.

The current city ballot measure — to support or not a franchise agreement for a natural gas pipeline system citywide — should receive a No vote.

It probably cost over three quarters of a million dollars to imprison serial rapist (50) and killer (10) Bobby Joe Long for 34 years.

In her Oct. 12 letter to the editor, Dorothy Cora Moore states her opposition to vaccines (not just the COVID vaccine).

It’s easy to get caught up in the back-and-forth of Congress and forget about the fact that there are real-world consequences to some of these issue.

Remember when dissent was patriotic, and it was popular to question authority? Try that today and you’ll be labeled a domestic terrorist.

Most of us could benefit from a more balanced diet rich in fruits and veggies and, according to the dietary guidelines for Americans, there’s also room in our diets to choose lean beef more often.

When I was in school George Orwell’s book “1984” was still mandatory reading.

Is anyone watching the coast? There are far too many cargo tankers being moored just off the coast, be east or west.

I am an older American, and I am fed up with paying the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs.

In response to the reader who submitted that “change for the good” in our readers speak segment supporting the reconciliation/infrastructure bill do you really know what is included in this bill.

Regarding Mr. Wiederaenders’ friend “Tom” and his concern over transit costs -

This morning [Sunday] I open the paper to see a Rant & Rave from someone claiming that the hiking trails in Prescott bring in no revenue or tourists. Seriously? Clearly this person has never visited the Peavine Trail, Goldwater Lake, Watson Lake or Willow Lake and dropped his/her $3.00 in the pay station.

This past Sunday morning I opened the newspaper to see a Rant & Rave from someone claiming that the hiking trails in Prescott bring in no revenue or tourists. Seriously?

This past weekend was the start to our new lives.

In regard to the Sept. 25 article on the monsoon and the state of Prescott’s lakes: “The recharged water results in water credits for the city, which can then be allocated to new development as ‘alternative water.’”

I hope that the talks between President Joe Biden, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and Sen. Joe Manchin go in the direction of supporting both the infrastructure bill and the budget bill.

If only 50% of people got the Polio and Small Pox vaccinations years ago, we wouldn’t have been able to eradicate these horrible viruses ...

As the outgoing Chair of the Prescott Valley Healing Field for the past eight years, I want to thank the people that made each year more successful than the last.

I appreciated the Editor’s Opinion piece “What is growth? Can you combat it?” Although it doesn’t answer its own question, asking if we can combat it is a very good start in the process.

A request has come to Blankets 4 Kids from our neighbors to the South, New Orleans, LA to support them on the disaster that Hurricane Ida leveled on them!

Prescott Valley Mayor Palguta, and council members Hunt, Hepperle, and Schumacher recently voted in favor to buy the old, dilapidated Coors property, off Highway 89A, for $3.2 million from Yavapai County.

Our community has rallied together to protect our natural resources when it came to Saving the Dells. This not only affected the residents and visitors who enjoy the great outdoors but it also affected our towns government leaders.

The city’s survey of the public over how to utilize the old city hall building is over. The results show a majority of citizens want to see it developed into retail stores and/or restaurants.

In light of the Yavapai County hospitals mandating vaccinations for all their healthcare staff, or else be fired, here are some important questions for all Yavapai County residents to ask:

I write to encourage “patriots” to fly the American flag. Our Founding Fathers were in toto governmental geniuses, though by no means perfect. By flying our flag we honor them and the potential of our democratic efforts.

At Saturday’s rally in Washington DC on Sept. 18th titled “Justice For J6” my favorite comment by a rally speaker was...”We support our law enforcement”...

To the multitude of Prescott residents that have helped the Disabled American Veterans organization over the years; we thank you so very much. With your help we have been able to help thousands of local veterans lead better, high quality lives.

As a retired hospital administrator from an adjacent state, all staff were required annual vaccinations to prevent diseases/viruses from spreading to all staff so that they could care for patients and avoid closing our doors.

The Marine Corps League, Copper State Detachment 906, conducts the “Toys For Tots” Campaign in the Prescott area to collect toys for deserving children for distribution as Christmas gifts.

A big “Thank You’ to Esteban, Teresa and their band for a terrific concert Sept. 10.

In reference to “Listen to the Health Experts” of Sept. 7. Richard Slatin writes that he was at the HUSD public meeting pertaining to COVID restrictions and attended by “unruly” parents.

The nation’s health is in severe decline. This is largely because of the losing trifecta of blunders over the past two months that began at the southern border then moved to Afghanistan, where the strategy was clearly and fatally flawed.

Why is everything these days considered “political correctness?” Time has come for changes. The “Smoki People” were not a “people,” as in Native American people.

Water being recharged to the aquifer at Prescott airport should be used solely to offset some of the overdraft condition that has existed for years.

A thought on one way to mitigate development to preserve our natural beauty and conserve our precious water.

In the early ’80s, I had a good job, but was the low seniority guy in a union house, and nothing could keep me from being laid off. So, I took a chance in food sales and had a successful career. Fast forward to catering the past 15 years...

I am shocked by the massive amount of housing growth that has occurred in our tri-city area. Thousands of houses continue to be built daily. Some would assert or argue that this housing is needed due to our population growth. I say, “Houston or Prescott, we have a problem.”

This Sunday will be the opening of regular football season and that is a lot to be excited about. We have a home team and other favorites to root for.

I would like to add to Patti Sheaffer’s excellent letter published Sept. 7.

Arizona schools face a lot of unknowns as students return to the classroom.

The Bureau of Land Management is giving away Arizona’s public lands.

We will not reach herd immunity until more than 80% of our population is vaccinated. As long as anti-COVID vaxers continue to resist, COVID will stay, increase and mutate.

Just an update on my previous (rant) — Just this week, a possible update to the idea of boosters, although boosters were not directly tested at all.

I was at the Humboldt school board public “meeting” at which the board listened to the public; mostly parents, a representative from Yavapai County Community Health Services and a licensed medical practitioner.

Below is a partial list of military equipment left in Afghanistan as we surrendered to the Taliban in the worst foreign debacle in our history, according to multiple websites.

Prescott would benefit enormously with an emboldened town planner with responsibilities delineated and assigned by the council that would stretch far beyond the rubber-stamping of a developer’s plans.

Jourdan Wheeler’s “Immigration policies sinking our ship of state” (Aug 31) is partially correct.

In the past few years, initiatives designed to lower labor standards, weaken unions and erode workplace protections have been launched. Such far-reaching and mean-spirited structural changes weaken the bargaining power and political influence of organized labor.

As an old pilot with no connection to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, please let me respond to letters regarding its training flights.

Our house is located on one of the highest points beneath the constant Embry Riddle training flight pattern, so I join the chorus of complaints.

After reading Britt Flores recent column about self-care, I would like to add a caution about the use if essential oils.

RE: Mr. Schnell’s letter – I whole heartedly agree regarding the airport noise. But, I do not blame the airport.

I was reminded about another kind of meeting while reading the Aug. 22 editorial about the recent, unruly Humboldt school board meeting.

Reading the Courier’s vaccine coverage, you’d think there was no debate, but there is and it needs to be heard.

I am sick and tired of government infringing on our God-given freedoms. It should be my decision if I choose to wear a seatbelt. I also question speed limits. I should have the freedom to choose how fast I drive.

Regarding Mike Schnell‘s letter about Embry-Riddle’s noisy aircraft flying over homes minutes apart. I agree wholeheartedly with his complaints. The airport isn’t a problem, Embry-Riddle is the problem.

This is a letter to commend and say our utmost thanks to the Prescott Fire Stations 74 and 75 for their help in rescuing our rodent-hunting dachshund Camie.

I am tired of people complaining about the noise at Ernest A. Love Field. Last week, there were two letters to the editor. After reading Mike Schnell’s complaint, I felt I had to respond.

Recently, libraries of the Yavapai County Free Library District imposed access restrictions, causing a friend in a book discussion group to exclaim, “Thanks for sending me back into the Dark Ages.”

The spread of COVID-19 has taken the life of over 600,000 people in the U.S. Additionally, our hospitals, doctors and nurses have been pushed in many cases beyond the breaking point.

While I wholeheartedly agree with County Recorder Leslie Hoffman that requiring identification for mail-in ballots is not necessary (why fix something that is not broken)...

In regard to Mike Schnell’s letter (Aug. 19) about airport noise, specifically from ERAU trainer aircraft. Perhaps, as funds become available, the school should consider ...

People often say they’re tired of endless wars, so can’t we stop fighting the weather?

Now that Love Field has been named the fifth busiest airport in America, I wholeheartedly believe it. Today, my neighborhood, and others around the airport, were subjected to around six hours of continuous flyovers from small aircraft.

Senate Bill 1452 is a good bill needing two changes: the voucher must be used for another academic school parents choose and include a time limit. This bill had a loophole that some people abused.

Thank you to Jim Lamerson (former Councilman and recent candidate) for his gracious letter congratulating the winners of the recent election.

Unless you have access to Walker Road, there is only one way for a Costco Shopper to reach the Highway 69 store, and that is via Highway 69.

Failure of the governor to require masks in schools is creating another health crisis.

We are in two camps. Unvaccinated and vaccinated. Be prepared to think about who the unvaccinated are.

Earlier this week, I was honored to present a gift from the Greater Prescott Outdoors Fund for $5,000 to the Yavapai Search and Rescue Squadron. They are all volunteers who help save lives and find those who have lost their lives.

The perfect storm (Hurricane COVID) is sinking this ship of state. The unprecedented economic decline and ineffective Democrat-Republican response shows fatal flaws in the Dem/Rep system.

RE: National Column by Dick Polman, Aug. 9, “Words from the MAGA cult.” The Daily Courier is doing a disservice to its readers by publishing Dick Polman, a “national political columnist,” who injects personal opinion and exaggeration.

The election, for me, is over but the results are not. I am confident those elected want to be the best public servants they can be and will do the best job they can.

The former Prescott City Hall, at the corner of Cortez and Goodwin streets, would make an ideal, permanent location for the Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew (GMIHC) Learning and Tribute Center, currently housed at the Prescott Gateway Mall.

Senator Karen Fann told us she wanted to make sure voters could trust our election process, so to do so she should have hired a credible organization actually nationally accredited and experienced in doing such audits.

Many people who have student loan debt are looking for President Joe Biden to get them off the hook and forgive any outstanding debt.

I would like to know who made the dumb decision to send a letter to the drivers who break the law by not stopping for a bus when there sign is out to let students on & off the bus.

Canceling student loan debt, which President Joe Biden has the power to do, will relieve this great burden from millions of Americans.

Our national leadership needs to treat COVID-19 as an invading army.

These days when people exhibit so much divisiveness, bitterness and anger toward one another, I would like to acknowledge an unexpected act of kindness and generosity.

The malarkey meter was pegged with Matthew Lanning’s letter that tries to justify teaching racism and diversity (Critical Race Theory) in classroom English classes.

If our country ever faced a disaster we need to sustain ourselves on this beautiful plateau, where cattle graze and crops can be grown.

As an old Goldwater Republican whose party has moved me to the center, I was delighted to find and read in the Courier the views of John Stossel on “Woke Language” (July 23) next to Matt LaVoire’s acknowledgement of the West’s megadrought.

In a recent speech, a candidate for Prescott council said this: “Can any of you name a city in the last 100 years that has ran (sic) out of water in the western United States?”

People must understand that vaccination is critical to prevent the virus from mutating from one that threatens us all, to one that kills you.

Being quite dismayed about the smear campaign waged against three of our candidates for office here in Prescott, I decided to research the source of the mailings, Arizona Residents Council (ARC).

A recent editorial claims voter-approved Props 400 and 401 were weaponized by the public as “leverage” in the AED Development Agreement and Annexation review process.

USAF Space and Missile Systems Center Research Scientist here... One of my jobs was helping the USAF and Department of Defense understand climate change. Unlike us, the Pentagon takes climate change “very” seriously.

The historical, and probable continued overuse of the water from the Prescott Active Management Area (AMA) clearly points to an ultimate disaster for its users.

The 6-3 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court concluded the provisions in Arizona’s 2016 law do not violate the Voting Rights Act.

I was stunned seeing Paul Gosar signs displayed in the two Yavapai Republican Party Prescott parade entries on July 3. A further shock was seeing Senate President Karen Fann riding in a vehicle with Gosar.

Thank you, Howard Mechanic, for another great Talk of the Town. Basically, we are looking at the Hilton deal redux. We are lucky to have individuals like you who keep an eye on the shenanigans of the Prescott City Council and its agents.

How do we learn from our challenging experiences? We are in this planet to discover where we belong. Each of us live our life differently yet are made up of the same human biology. How confusing to live in the same neighborhood and view our community with disconnection and conflict.

In our country, the price of many prescription drugs is exorbitant. I have been taking a life-saving blood thinner for over nine years to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. This drug retails for $17.46 per dose.

This letter is in response to Patrick Leyden’s recent letter in which he claimed “reading an article listing the 10 states having the highest life expectancy as well as the 10 states with the lowest life expectancy.”

I truly hope that our city’s elected leaders denounce and publicly show sincere distain for any and all political flyers that impugn the character of individuals running for Prescott city government. Silence on such heinous political attacks is agreement and/or complicity.

What a gem we have here in the tri-city area, Arizona Downs.

According to a Courier article, the development agreement between the City of Prescott and AED regarding saving the Dells does not include the Dells parcel that contains the ancient Indian ruins.

On the June 17 opinions page, Susan Wathier stated she is “anti-firearms” and prefers local citizens to open carry so she can practice avoidance or “shelter in place.”

All those lazy bums won’t work because they’re getting $300 more each week in unemployment, right? Wrong!

The Sun Dog road from Prescott Parkway to the intersection near Sprouts on Highway 69 should be constructed.

What a gem we have here in the quad-city area, Arizona Downs. After hearing about it, I finally took an afternoon and “went to the track!”

Prescott seniors have a hard enough time accessing high-quality, affordable health care in a timely manner.

Prescott’s wonderful hiring of Amy Bonney as police chief is long-deserved, and a pattern other regional departments should follow in replacing chiefs: Look first within your own ranks.

Juneteenth. Think about what your life would have been if you had been enslaved. Every aspect of your life would have been different.

I read Richard Haddad’s parting message to us with interest in knowing what next he intends to tackle; with my best wishes to him in his next endeavor.

I submitted comments expressing my concerns about AED to the mayor and others in city government through the city website.

Just finished reading an article listing the 10 states having the highest life expectancy as well as the 10 states with the lowest life expectancy.

An article in Sunday’s paper was about an English teacher in Nashville Tennessee that was worried about how to teach her students in light of recent legislation.

They call it “optics” for a reason. It just plain doesn’t look good. Or it looks really good. The city council is considering changes to the Prescott Frontier Days lease. Helping a popular local nonprofit is good optics for the city. But the story doesn’t end there.

Well, I find it sadly amusing that “Help Wanted” signs throughout Prescott has not changed the number of people asking for handouts throughout Prescott.

Let’s crunch the numbers. Granite Dells will add 2,400 new homes.

Several years ago when I was on one of the mayor’s committees, the topic of Watson Lake came up and the inability for anyone to go into the water to swim because of the solution.

As the pandemic seems to be coming under control, cruise lines are preparing to begin sailing again, and passenger volume is increasing on the airlines.

The majority on our city council seems to be in late-stage denial regarding the short and long-term problems associated with gifting our Chino Aquifer water to whichever developer requests it.

Kudos to the hero firefighters that are fighting wild fires in Arizona and across the nation in intense, sometimes record-breaking, heat.

“YES!” Gov. Doug Ducey is right on to spend $100 million for wildfire prevention; June 15th article by Howard Fischer. We need to reach Ducey to show that utilizing large goat herds would be a brilliant investment.

After 30 years in Minneapolis, my husband and I returned to Arizona to be close to family and enjoy more moderate weather year round. We chose Prescott because of its proximity to the Phoenix metro area and for its small town charm and friendly people.

This morning we needed the services of the fire department to get help for Alan.

What is a retired person to do to get hearing aids when you can’t afford them?

For a year, big tech information controllers and Democratic party operatives (the media) silenced discussion of COVID’s true origin.

First, I want to thank the candidates running for Prescott City Council and, for that matter, to thank all candidates running for office, locally, state and nation-ally....

Please help me understand this. The police enforce the traffic laws, when they get special grants, such as the checkpoints and saturation patrols.

Tim Wiederaenders’ column, “Words can bully, but don’t cheapen them,” is an accurate assessment of a major societal problem: the cheapening of words like “racist” and “Nazi.”

In Chino Valley, a “public notice” sign appeared recently on 2 North (just southwest of 2 North and 1 West). This was to change 41 acres from single-family residential, 1-acre minimum to single-family residential 5.05 houses per acre. The result on 41 acres would be a development of 207 high-density lots.

To the inconsiderate dog owners in Eagle Ridge Subdivision: Pick up your dog poop! Many of your neighbors walk throughout our subdivision and are confronted by your dog’s droppings, not only alongside the walk but also right on the sidewalk.

The real story of the tax cuts: As is typical of Republican “tax cuts” let’s see who really benefits.

The terrorist group Hamas attacks Israel with over 3,000 rockets and kills some people.

Syndicated columnist John Micek’s “Commentary on the fight over critical race theory,” June 2, needs a response. What Micek wrote about critical race theory reveals either a lack of understanding of the threat or he is part of a move to totally reform our society.

Great job Yavapai Regional Medical Center employees, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the nursing staff of the YRMC CVICU, for their excellent care during my brief stay.

Whatever you think of the 2020 elections, it seems prudent to be concerned about the quality and integrity of the process.

A rant from April 25, saying “if you really wanted to vote, you would find a way,” shows a lack of knowledge and understanding for those who have challenges or unforeseen circumstances that keep them from making it to the polls.

Richard Haddad’s (May 25) insightful use of the behavior of geese to explain looking out for one another and the benefit thus acquired, reminds me why zero sum thinking is a detriment to our community.

Alarmed by scientific reports of a dwindling aquifer beneath our feet and a huge decline in Del Rio Springs, headwaters of the Verde River, which has already resulted in the drying up of six miles of precious riparian habitat, many of us have taken measures to conserve.

As a member of the anti-firearms population, I prefer those who carry a gun to openly carry it.

My father’s side of my family came to Arizona in 1921. Mother’s side 1935. I was driving in Arizona before I-10 and I-17 and there were just over one million residents statewide.

We are all so grateful! Today in Lynx Mountain View Estates we had a fire that was out of control.

Gov. Doug Ducey’s flat tax that was added to his state budget is despicable.

Are you vaccinated or fully vaccinated against COVID-19? Is there a difference?

Was it a breeze? Was it a gale? Was it a squall? One thing for sure there were gusts of wind! To all of you that visited the YCCA Open Air Home Show Fair, Saturday May 22, at the Findlay Toyota Center, thank you from the bottom of my heart! Yes, it was a beautiful sunny windy, squally, gusty day, but delightful.

I just wanted to say that when you are going through something as serious as cancer I never knew just how devoted and comforting the people from the cancer centers are.

While at the Prescott library on June 3, 2019, a very pleasant woman — with a weathered face and dark graying hair —came and stood very near me; just looking at me. I eventually said, “Hi.” She asked me — softly in a very sincere and hopeful voice —“Are you my dad?”

Courier headlines “Yavapai County receives more than $22M in first round of American Rescue Plan money.” WOW! Great. But, let’s think a minute. Where did this money come from?

Letter writer Sandy Farrel, in the May 20 Courier, makes a very good point, that we are a nation of individuals, and that it is wrong, therefore, to say we are a racist nation.

I want to thank Richard Haddad for his column on May 11, making us aware of how the owners and employees of some local businesses have been mistreated by customers.

I am getting sick and tired of hearing about how all of the problems being experienced in Prescott, such as drivers who are inconsiderate and do nothing but speed and generally rude people, are the result of Californians.

My husband and I purchased an existing home in Chino Valley in 2013. We chose this area because it was a rural community with hometown values. Unfortunately, we have been watching this change.

To comply with The Daily Courier’s general policy that a letter to the editor be signed by only one person or a couple, I submit this letter on behalf of myself and 25 other concurring concerned citizens.

Numbers don’t lie but public officials use them to deceive the home town public.

It was disappointing to read the May 26, Courier Editorial supporting the flat tax. The editorial contended that the low taxes would lure top-quality firms and jobs.

Saturday May 22, the Chino Valley Lions Club and also members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints did a great job cleaning the Chino Valley Cemetery. Ella Officer provided U.S. Flags for many of the graves.

What does a political party have to do with the Lion's Club sponsored Prescott Valley Days parade? Yeah, beats me too.

I’m curious as to why Prescott would want to spend the money, which is in very short supply and getting shorter, to switch to sewer?

I would like to respond to the letter, “Classic driving,” from Stacey Petska

In response to Stacey Petska’s letter of May 5, although I certainly agree with her assessment of the “awful driving” habits in Prescott, I must question her placing blame on the “...influx of Californians invading this city...”

Regarding David Littlehale’s consequences for the rape of a teenage girl in Prescott, the taxpayer costs for his imprisonment and care with an expected lifespan will be almost a million dollars.

We were saddened and appalled to see the attempt of 20 people to throw out elected officials and arbitrarily take their elective positions in our state.

I want to thank Joe Howard at the Prescott school district for standing up for what is right. For the health and wellness of students, parents, teachers.

Your news on water shortage is timely. Here in The Ranch at Prescott, which is quite woody, we are seeing the start of dying off of evergreens. Often, the beginning of dying for an evergreen, especially pines, is their end. That tree will be unable to send sap to eject a bark beetle from the tree.

Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) was on CBS Sunday, May 2, about racism and Senate legislation, and afterward the CBS anchor had a panel of people talking about what he said, agreeing or disagreeing, that the U.S. is a racist nation.

It is great news that the city of Prescott will buy the National Bank building on Montezuma to replace the old and aged city hall at Cortez Street.

A new Maverick station and store that’s coming to the southwest corner of Highway 69 and Fain Road is about to shatter the peacefulness – and the property values – of everyone living in the Prescott Country Club.

In response to the recent letter entitled “Neighborhood watch questionable affiliation.”

Oversized pickups, SUVs, etc. also don’t fit inside the parking spaces in the parking garage.

Thank you, Tim Wiederaenders for your “Water, a deep issue” column.

This is my reaction to the (May 5, front page) Courier article on the draft proposal for changing septic systems in Prescott to the city sewer system.

The seizure of the AZ ballots by Karen Fann and other Trump supporters in the state legislature is a ploy to declare them fraudulent.

Out of curiosity, I attended a meeting of the Oath Keepers.

The Prescott Valley Police Foundation announced that Congressman Gosar will be a guest speaker at the upcoming “Thank the Blue” event.

In response to Nigel Reynold's April 8 letter...and my letter on March 26, he is correct that I am a creationist, and believe the Bible to be God's word.

The recounting of the ballots for the fourth time is not only a waste of money, it is childish, a waste of time, labor and a group of people acting out like spoiled brats.

Funny how the right wing in Arizona claims to want less government and interference into our lives, but insists on telling HOAs and their members across our state what flags they deem appropriate, as they see it.

During all this controversy about our police, I saw a T-shirt that carried the best message I have yet to see on the subject.